The 9 Best Remote Car Starters You Can Buy 2023

Remote car starters are only around a few decades old, but they’ve become really popular in recent years.

Why? Well for one thing technology is improving rapidly! You can get a lot more with remote car starters nowadays so it’s worth investing if you have big plans for your vehicle.

Imagine you are living in a cold area. You start your morning by getting into the car and turning on the heater, but it takes forever to get warm inside because of how chilly outside is!

What if there was something that could make this process quicker?

There’s good news for all those who have struggled with these problems: A remote starter can not only start your engines faster than ever before – it also has many other great features.

Here’s a data table comparing the differences between the 6 best remote car starters:

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9 Remote Car Starter Reviews 2023

1. Crimestopper RS4-G5 1-Way Remote Start and Keyless Entry System with Trunk Pop

Crimestopper RS4-G5 is also a 1-way remote start system, no surprises there.

But if you are looking for a remote start system that blends in nicely with your manual transmission vehicle, then you can go for it. Also, having additional auxiliary outputs is always a plus.

First, let’s talk about the overall features. With this system, you are getting support for manual transmission operation and diesel engine compatibility.

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Also, vehicles with high-current ignition switches will also benefit from this system.

First, we would talk about the range of this system. You can easily take control of your car from 3000 feet, which is nice. Again, using high-frequency FM signals may lack the overall distance of control.

So, you may want to have your vehicle parked where there isn’t any type of solid obstructions. Other than that, you are good to go.

Then there is the 2-way transmitter. Having a 2-way transmitter allows you to know exactly how your car is doing. In fact, controlling the temperature and keyless starting mechanisms becomes much easier to control with this sort of system.

Moreover, the 2-way and 1-way remotes are fast enough to register a response. Furthermore, you do have OEM remote support, which is an added bonus.

Finally, the remote will notify you whenever you are out of range. Also, you have that smartphone compatibility, which gives you a lot of headroom whenever you are controlling your device.

In short, if you are looking for the best remote car starters for manual transmission, then you should certainly keep them on your shopping list.

What We Like

• It can support 2-vehicle operation with the help of a ‘sidekick’ non-paging remote
• Auxiliary inputs allow silent lock and unlock features
• Offers a decent amount of range
• The 2-way system allows proper information passing and receiving at the same time

What We Dislike

• It’s a bit hard to pre-program at times

2. Compustar CS4900-S 2-way Remote Start and Keyless Entry System with 3000-ft Range

Diesel engine compatibility is not always easy to find. As a matter of fact, there are remote start systems that don’t support diesel vehicles at all.

For this reason, we are reviewing the CS4900-S from Compustar, which comes with a carefully placed LED indicator, offering a good amount of flexibility and usability.

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Let’s get something out of the way first. As you may have noticed so far, we have our first 2-way remote start system. In contrast to a 2-way remote system, the difference is minimal.

The only noticeable difference here is that you won’t be able to get real-time notifications when you are sending a command, which also impacts the overall pricing.

Other than that, you are getting a decent 300-feet range, which is probably enough for most users out there. Also, this Amplitude Modulation system is certainly a capable one when it comes to remote starting your vehicle.

Just hold on to the designated button for 2.5 seconds, and your engine starts to rev up and control the internal temperature.

Also, you are getting a smooth experience when it comes to keyless entry and trunk release, which is as simple as pushing a button for a couple of seconds from a considerable distance.

Moreover, the fact that you can add a drone to your system to get real-time feeds and GPS locations is obviously a good bonus to have.

In conclusion, Having the best remote car starter for diesel will not seem hard anymore. You may want to check out the overall specks for a better look at what it can offer, and to what extent.

What We Like

• Amplitude Modulation system with a 1000-feet range offers a nice overall experience
• The 2-way remote system helps to save a couple of extra bucks
• Seamless control of temperature from a considerable distance
• Keyless entry and trunk release features are seamless as well
• The user interface is very easy to use

What We Dislike

• Instructions are not very clear for novices

3. Compustar CS925S 4-Button 1 Way Remote Start System (up to 1500′ Range)

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Are you looking for a reliable remote car starter? If so, then we highly recommend the Compustar CS925S. This starter kit is one of the most reliable on the market, and it comes with a number of features that make it a great choice for car owners.

For starters, the Compustar CS925S comes with a built-in temperature sensor that allows you to monitor the temperature in your car in real-time.

This is a great feature for those who live in areas with extreme temperatures, as it allows you to make sure that your car is comfortable before you get in it.

Additionally, the Compustar CS925S comes with an internal rechargeable battery, which means that you won’t have to worry about replacing batteries frequently.

Finally, the Compustar CS925S is a great choice for those who are looking for a remote car starter that is easy to use. The module allows the car to think that the user has already got the key inserted, which makes starting the car a seamless experience.

What We Like

• 2-way remote offers solid confirmation of a given command
• The keyless entry feature is seamless
• Comes with a decent amount of range for smooth operation
• Obstructions offer very little resistance while taking control of your vehicle

What We Dislike

• It’s not a security system; So keep that in mind

4. Directed Avital 1-Way Security System – Best Electric Car Starter

If you are in the market for the best electric car starter, then the 1 from Avital has you covered. When it comes to electric vehicles, you can easily rely on this remote starter, which clearly has a good reputation when it comes to remote start systems.

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Also, the fact that it doesn’t require a tach wire connection is one of the best features which we like about it so far.

Likewise, there are some other noteworthy features that we would like to talk about as well. A small note for the users out there.

This remote start unit is something that is targeted toward professionals. If you have sufficient electrical knowledge, only then should you attempt to install it yourself.

Otherwise, just contact an authorized dealer to get the job done.

As far as the features go, then you have a lot to take in. At first, there is a dedicated Analog-to-Digital converter to take certain measures of voltages.

Because of such inclusion, there is no need for an additional tachometer cable, which is clearly one of the key selling points from our point of view.

As for the keyless entry, it should probably be right on point with the user’s expectations. Also, you have the integrated panic mode and valet mode, which work in unison to provide a nice seamless experience.

Coming back to the panic mode, it works in such a way that whenever something unexpected happens, then the parking lights keep on flashing and the siren wails away to attract attention.

Also, the valet mode allows a significant amount of usability as it allows the user to take control of the vehicle seamlessly.

So far, all the features look promising enough to make it a suitable option for an electric vehicle. You may want to check it out for a better look at the specs.

What We Like

• Remote start features offer a pleasant experience
• Panic mode offers the right amount of security
• Valet mode offers a seamless control experience
• Requires fewer connections, offering a fair amount of convenience for professional installation

What We Dislike

• Requires professional assistance for installation
• Not enough controls to get going

5. MPC Remote Start for Jeep Wrangler 2007-2018 Key-to-Start

As an average consumer, you would probably want something which will give you the most out of your money. In order to make that happen, we have come up with a review of the 4806P from Directed Electronics as a name for the best remote car starter.

The key feature here is the bang-for-the-buck aspect. You are basically getting what you are paying for. So, clearly, it should be a much more viable option for you once you get to know the rest of the features.

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First of all, we would like to start out by saying that it’s a complete package overall. Here’s why.

The 2-way remote start system features a 1-mile range featuring the SST technology. As you may know, the SST technology uses frequency hopping multiple frequency transmission techniques to help the frequencies pass despite the obvious obstructions. For this reason, your control over your vehicle is complete.

Another thing to mention here is the fact that the Data-to-data (D2D) remote allows it to seamlessly communicate with its respective XpressKit interface, making the connection smooth and highly controllable.

Due to the SuperCode technology, you now have the ability to control two cars with a single remote. The integration of the technology is smart enough to understand the individual needs of each car and report that to the owner, which offers a fair amount of convenience.

Finally, the SmartStart compatibility allows the user to use a mobile app to lock and unlock the vehicle without any issues. Moreover, the overall usability, security integrations, and executions are well on par with our expectations. For this reason, we see fit to name this one the best remote car starter for the money.

What We Like

• All the basic features offer seamless performance
• SST technology allows the user to interface with his car without issue
• SuperCode technology offers a fair bit of flexibility
• SmartStart feature allows the user to lock or unlock the car via a mobile app

What We Dislike

• Needs a professional touch to install properly

6. Crimestopper SP-402 Best Remote Car Starter and Alarm

The SP-402 from Crimestopper is a fine choice if you are looking for the best remote car starter and alarm combo. As for the rest of the features, you will be amazed to see what it has to offer considering the price point.

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SP-402 is a 2-way remote system that is capable of reaching up to 2300 feet, which is often considered a standard in most cases. In fact, this FM-powered remote car system takes the cake as the best remote car starter due to the fact that the starter and siren combo work so well together.

As we have a 2-way system, it means that communication happens at both ends. Because of this, the LCD screen is capable of showing the stats clearly without any issues. Also, the priority-unlock and trunk-release features work on point and provide a decent overall experience.

The end, we would like to finish off by letting you know about the secondary remote, which has a 1000 feet range.

Also, the system is capable of monitoring two vehicles at once, which is a nice little feature to have in store.

Moreover, the alarm works well enough to let you know about any mishaps.

In the end, having a remote starter and alarm altogether is a convenient enough combo to ensure both safety and convenience at the same time. You should obviously check it out to learn more.

What We Like

• Delivers the performance of a 2-way system
• Smartphone Interface Port
• Audible & Visual Arm & Disarm With Intrusion Alert
• Offers a decent range and smooth operation from a distance

What We Dislike

• Build quality of the remote is not up to the mark

7. Prestige APS787Z One-Way Remote Start with Keyless Entry and Security System up to 1 Mile Range

There are very few DIY (Do-it-yourself) remote starter kits available on the market.

In fact, the number is significantly less. We had to scrounge the bottom of the barrel for something like this. And, in the end, we found the Bulldog RS82-I, which is, by far, the best DIY remote car starter.

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As we mentioned earlier, we are pretty much a fan of the DIY aspect of this minimalistic remote system. But the RS82-I does have some features which put it right up there with some of the top competitors in the market.

As for the remote, you get only two buttons, which means you only get the basic necessities like starting and stopping the vehicle. The dedicated start and stop buttons work surprisingly well, considering the nature and pricing of the product.

Finally, the 400-feet range and instructions DVD are all you get with the package which is noteworthy.

As you may feel that the range is not up to the mark, but for someone with minimal needs, it should work just fine.

What We Like

• Pricing is one of the big selling points
• It’s a DIY kit that is well-suited for beginners
• Comes with dedicated start and stop buttons for added flexibility
• Overall usability is decent

What We Dislike

• The range is a prime issue with this system

8. Start-X Remote Start Kit For F-150 2015-2020, F-250 17-21

Start-X is a relatively new product in the market. As a matter of fact, there isn’t much to go on about the product, except for the fact that it has a decent iPhone app to go with all the features.

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With the Start-X you get all the necessary features you require. Amongst these, and probably one of our favorites is the SmartStart smartphone app, which works nicely enough to control the vehicle.

Also, the 1-mile range offers a decent amount of control to the user as well.

Apart from these, you have a 2-way remote that supports the SuperCode technology, giving you accurate information through the LCD screen.

As SuperCode encryption is clearly a secure solution these days, it offers an additional layer of security to the already decent system.

Finally, the ability to control two vehicles and having 4-auxiliary channels are noteworthy features as well. Also, having a rechargeable battery with a decent capacity is also a plus point.

So, if you are looking for the best remote car starter with the iPhone app, then you should consider this option.

What We Like

• Compatible with SmartStart, making it a viable option
• Comes with a decent amount of range for added usability
• SuperCode technology offers an extra layer of security
• Comes with a built-in bypass module for added convenience

What We Dislike

• Installation requires expert personnel

9. AVITAL 5305L Security/Remote Start System – Best Universal Remote Car Starter

If you are looking for a product that is both universal and has a decent amount of multifunctions, then the makers of AVITAL have you covered.

Apart from all the regular features, you are getting that 4 stars rating, which is one of our favorite features.

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First of all, the aspect that it is a universal remote starter is great. So, you can easily consider it as an upgrade path if you wish.

Another noteworthy feature here is the fact that it comes with a reach of almost 3 miles, making it a tough competitor in the existing market.

Also, the 5305L Multi-level security arming allows you to select which of the inputs or sensors will be active and which will be bypassed Panic mode will sound an alarm, and flash your parking lights with a rugged case making it the most durable option by far.

The final noteworthy feature here is 2-way communication, which is one of the most coveted features among customers. Also, the fact that it has 4 AUX outputs is also worth mentioning.

So, if you are looking for the best universal remote car starter at affordable prices, then have a look at it for good measure.

What We Like

• A universal remote starter
• Fail-safe starter kill
• 2-way communication offers a decent amount of usability
• Remote Start Security System with Keyless Entry
• Includes one LCD remote & one 4-button remote

What We Dislike

• Expert installation is recommended

How to Buy a Best Remote Starter: A Complete Guide

We are sure that you have come across all the features a remote car starter has to offer.

Moreover, we are certain by now that you want the best remote car starter because of the overall security and convenience.

But how do you move forward with your decision?

We have had a lot of complaints regarding this manner lately. Most users tend to root for the higher-end models, even if they don’t really need them.

Also, some users don’t really have any sort of expertise with such devices. For these reasons, it is very easy to make a poor buying choice.

But we are here to make life a bit easier. So, we have come up with a few tips to help you make the right choice. Later on, we will answer some of the questions regarding your purchase decisions and more.

Here are the top few tips you need to worry about.

What do you need?

Before making any sort of decision, make a decision about this, why exactly do you need a remote starter? Do you just need the ease of access?

Or do you need the full package of both safety and convenience at the same time? What type of system should you go for?

We would advise you to take a look at all the features we have talked about for each product. Compare them to your daily needs. This way, making a decision will be much easier.

Range

Make sure to check how much range you are getting with each product.

Also, check with the manufacturer as to how much obstruction will it be able to pass when you have to take control of your vehicle from a long distance. Such inquiries will help you out later on.

Alert Systems and Mobile Usability

If you are looking for the full package, then you would want to look at all the security measures you are getting with it.

For instance, vendors like Viper tend to make smart alert sirens which tend to offer better security than other existing brands. Because of this, they tend to cost more.

Mobile usability is also something that you should take into consideration. Having a mobile app to take control of your car is always a bonus, which comes at a certain price premium.

We would obviously recommend you go with such an option if you have the money to spend.

Speed-sensing and Hood Safety

Getting to monitor the rpm is crucial for two reasons. One, you will be able to take the necessary steps in case of starting the engine in cold weather.

Two, you will be able to get some sort of protection from Over-revving, which is a measure of how fast the shafts are spinning.

From our point of view, having a hood safety switch is a nice touch. Apparently, a hood safety switch will prevent your car engine to start when the hood is about to be opened.

These two things are crucial and you shouldn’t probably avoid them.

Installation and Warranty

We’ll be straight with you.

If the manufacturer claims that experts need to do the installation, then you should probably pay heed to their words and take your car to the authorized vendors for installation.

Also, make sure to check the warranty.

There are other things to consider as well, but make sure to check these before making a purchase.

Some Common Questions And Answers

Starter-disconnect: Is it necessary?

Of course, it is. The starter–disconnect feature is essential to prevent hot-wiring, which is a typical method of thieving.

Some advanced starters come with smart integrations to avoid such mishaps and completely turn off the engine for added security.

The Emergence of Mobile Connectivity

There are so many things you can do with mobile apps these days.

With that said, monitoring the overall condition of your vehicle with the help of the mobile app has become imminent. So, mobile app manufacturers have come up with options for remote system vendors.

You now have the option to take advantage of mobile apps to know your car temperature, monitor engine stats, and more.

GPS connectivity has become popular over the years. Drone manufacturers are taking advantage of this feature as well.

Final thoughts

If you are indeed looking for the best remote car starter, then we hope you have got the answer.

Before we leave, we would like to discuss two crucial points: the budget and the vendor.

Without planning on a budget, it is literally suicide to buy any product. So, be wise and learn about the state of your pocket. In order to make the right choice, it is crucial that you move forward in a planned way.

Also, most people don’t deem it necessary to have a word with the manufacturers. From our point of view, it is a grave mistake to make.

In fact, having a word with the manufacturer will not only give you a better idea of the brand itself but will also give you a fair idea about the product itself.

With that said, we would like to bid you farewell on your journey to find the best remote starter.